A/n- Thanks everyone! There will be delays now, since school (bah) has at last started. I'm none to thrilled...

Disclaimer- I think you know by now. Honestly...

Rating- PG-13 for language (For those of you who complain I swear too often, bugger off. I warned you and this is my vent-fic.)

Chapter Keywords- A little more mayhem. :)



Seeing Grey - Part XLVI - Sileno Reboare



James, take the kids into the safe rooms, they're walk-down basements by the cafeteria. Remus instructed, holding a hand above his eyes so e could see through the thick rain. A blinding sheet poured down all around, drenching anything in a manner of seconds. It was similar to being caught in total darkness, just with the added enjoyment of dangerously close lightening.

Nodding his head. James picked Jason up, and tried to coax the bawling brother to follow him.

Come on now Corey, we're going to go somewhere dry. he said, offering a supportive smile and his free hand. Still crying from the crashing flashes overhead, he grabbed on tight, and was pulled across the flooded streets to a small crowd.

Rom, go see if anyone needs any help!

he shouted, though only a few feet away, it was impossible to hear.

Go see if anyone needs help! Remus repeated, cupping his hands. With a confirming nod, he too ran off in search of those in trouble.

Caleb! CALEB! he bellowed, looking around desperately. Not finding him outside, he ran to the soaking, creaking shamble of his previous home.
Caleb, get out of here! It's about to cave in! he yelled from the doorway. The roof had fallen through in most places, and the entire house was a flooded mess.

I can't leave everything behind! the sodden young man responded, trying to grab blurred pages scattered throughout the broken living room. Jumping over shackles and pieces of lumber, Remus took him by the arm, trying to drag him out.

It's too dangerous, come on! he yelled over the clapping thunder. Off in the distance, the screaming crash of a fallen house sounded, accompanied by a flash of lightening. Again Remus pulled, though all he was greeted with was resistance.

I'm not going to leave all this behind, none of it can be replaced! he snapped, pulling away. Another flash echoed in the sky, and Remus bit his lip.

Yeah, well neither can your life. Come on. he demanded, and with no reply, he simply grabbed his friend by the neck of his robes, forcing him away.

Let go of me Lupin, I-

We can worry about a few hundred years of paperwork later. In. Now. Remus ordered, throwing open the heavy hatch. Resentfully Caleb climbed down the short broken ladder into a mob of frightened werewolves. A few random women Remus didn't know ran up and bombarded Caleb with fuss while he tread to quietly slip into the background.

Clearing his throat, James stood atop an upturned crate and whistled shrilly. The commotion died down, and everyone slowly turned to look at the outsider.

Is anyone missing? he asked first off, no hint or a cheery smile on his face or any mischievous glint in his eyes.

Alice Whemble... S-she said, she was was going to check on someone... a young girl piped, a confirming nod coming from another across the room.

Remus, you and your brother go and see if you can track her down he said shortly, turning back to the crowd.

No one is to leave this shelter, under any circumstances, without first checking with Caleb, a Lupin, or myself.

Hey, who put ye' in charge of us? a slightly drunk old man grumbled from the front row. Ye' ain't even one'a us!

Now who's being prejudiced? he asked with a very Slytherin-esque smirk, shutting up the hushed whispers in an instant. After s short conversation, Remus and Romolus dashed off through the heavy hatch door, creeping their way back into the violent storm.

Alright, I think it's best if we all just relax, I don't reckon anything but a person can wedge through that hatch. God knows I couldn't... We're perfectly safe down here, and hell, it's better than up there. he said, pointing upwards. So stick together, and this thing will pass. Nothing you all can't handle, right?

You're insane. Caleb hissed as he stepped down.

Just trying to bring a little order to this lot. James said with a small shrug, flopping down against the wall with a crowd of girls.

Trying to be a leader in a room full of werewolves? That's suicide for an outsider... Most of us have a deep-rooted superiority complex. he grumbled, holding the two twins to his chest protectively. That takes some serious guts to stand up there like that.

I'm a Gryffindor, expect nothing less. he said with mild amusement. Caleb smiled, and shook his head.

No, you're a rich boy in a poor town of society's rejects trying to make a statement that no one hears. he said. It's good to know someone out there still cares, God knows Lupin's good at finding them, but this wont work.



You can't help people who wont accept the offer. That other kid, Black, he does the same thing. Whatever progress we make, we'll do it on our own.

I just wanted to help out. James said, taking one of the twins and holding him close.

Why? Because you pity us? Whether intended or not, Caleb's voice was harsh and very unbefitting.

Finally understanding, James nodded his head, and dropped the subject.


Early morning, the Underground crawled out of the frigid basement into what was left of their town.

So what now? Remus asked idly, helping one of the younger children out of the shelter.

With a disgusted sigh, Caleb shook his head. We start over. he said regretfully, eyes half shut.

Everything's destroyed... Romolus muttered distantly, looking around the row of half-fallen houses and wooden debris scattered randomly. With a sinking heart, Remus noted Caleb's shack, now a pile of soggy lumber.

All the records... Caleb choked, voice lost halfway through.

Some of them will be fine, the roof fell early, it will have protected many. Remus offered. And either way, getting everyone to safety was more important.

A good point... Caleb muttered, head shaking dismally. Hey, where's Potter?

No clue. Probably off relishing in the general muck of this moon city.

Moon city?

We're a city of werewolves... Remus trailed off, smiling at his brother.

they laughed together.

Simmers, we need you and both the Lupins' help over here. someone shouted from the cafeteria, one of the only intact structures. We've got a panel that needs put up and it's heavy as hell.

I guess we get started.



'Choo wanna come back to my place for a while? James asked thickly, munching on his first fire-roasted marshmallow with a childish glint in his cheery eyes. He inexpertly stabbed another on the end of his stick, holding it right in the flame until it ignited, wherein he proceeded to shake the fiery puff until it was safe again. Charred and crispy, he popped it in his mouth delightfully, Remus rolling his eyes.

Wouldn't be right... No, Jason, the object is not to start the marshmallow on fire. Do not follow James as an example. he said quickly, trying to salvage the blackened desert with a laugh. Jason grinned toothily, and tried again, managing to let three fall into the bonfire of unusable wreckage before he produced something edible.

Hey Garade, when'd you get back in?

Just this morning... One hell of a storm you guys were hit with. he muttered weakly, taking a seat next to James on a broken pillar.

Be thankful you weren't here. Remus said dryly, offering a bag of marshmallows and a sharpened stick. It was pretty nasty, everything got torn up.

Where's Simmers?

He's off taking count on what can be used again when we rebuild this place. Either that or he's in a pile of debris somewhere snogging with that Melhane chick.

The latter's more likely. James commented.

So what happens when the snow finally comes? It'll be impossible to work once the blizzards strike.

Who knows. To be honest, I could care less... Remus said with a slight shrug.

That's a bit uncharacteristic of you. James said between bites of a s'more.

There's absolutely no point in planning ahead with this place, none whatsoever. Anything we write up will just be shattered in some ungodly improbable accident or like. he mused. After a moment of thought, Garade nodded in agreement, and conjured himself a thick blanket.

Either of you two care to help set up cots in the cafeteria? he asked, rubbing his numb hands over the crackling fire quietly.

Not really. they both responded.

Too bad.


Sure you can't stay?

Yeah, we have to get back to Britain tonight, I'm due at the Ministry early tomorrow morning. Remus said with a short sigh. Caleb smiled, a concealed sort of amusement, as his friend turned away to face the attention of two deprived little boys.

Do ya have ta go Uncle Remmie? Corey whined, grabbing at Remus' pants. Jason was doing likewise to Romolus, though the effort was causing him to nearly fall over.

I'll be back in the summer, maybe before. he said with a bright smile, scooping the child into his arms.

C'we write to ya? he asked with a small, questioning grin.

Of course. Just get Caleb to fetch and owl, and you can write to me whenever you want. Remus assured, ruffing the tots hair and setting him down again. With a nod to James and Romolus, they threw their bags in the back of the wind-shaken vehicle, and climbed inside.

Remus turned around and watched as the gate became no more than a small dot in the distance, Caleb standing beside, smiling for all he was worth.

No, Remus, this way!

I can't!

Remus! No!



Hey, wake up. Romolus said quietly, shaking his brothers shoulder.

Eyes opening very slowly, Remus groaned at the sight before him. The British Ministry building loomed over the entire alley, visually displaying its power to all who viewed it. To Remus, it was a proclamation of mockery.

Do I have to go? he mumbled. With a short smile, Romolus pulled him out of the car by the back of his robes, causing him to land on the gravel with a thump.

Here, that friend of yours told me to give you this. Romolus added as Remus tried to wake himself up fully. He took the letter, and tore at the fancy wax seal.

Just remember, if they even try to do a thing to you, I can pull my funding. did a bit of research, and apparently my parents paid for half of that places' East wing. I bet they'd just love it if I withdrew the annual donation of forty-seven thousand Galleons our bank pays them... Good luck Moony. Sirius and Peter send their regards as well.

James

Chuckling to himself, he stuffed the letter in his pocket, ready to go. Before he actually went anywhere though, he was presented with a comb, courtesy of Romolus.

You're hair looks like a dead rodent.

Why thank you.

I'm not kidding. Fix it, I don't think looking like a bum will row over well with the lot in there. he said sternly.

Isn't this just great. Remus said as he fought to run the comb through his mess of hair. It's a little while until Christmas and here I am, an unregistered wizard and werewolf, showing myself in front of the Ministry for a prank I had no conscious part in.

Don't worry about it.

Don't worry? Christ, Shelly's kind of depleted any sense you once had, hasn't she? Weren't you the one who made sure I was never registered as a wizard?

Er... Forgot about that. Romolus said, scratching his head with a guilty smile. Either way, it wont matter. You'll get lectured and issued a few warnings, and I'll have to cough up a few Sickles-

Which I'll pay you back.

And we'll be off on our way. Romolus concluded, pulling a reluctant Remus from the car door.

After shoving through a throng of suit-clad executives and a pack of disgruntled protesters, the Lupin brothers finally found a small elevator to the floor they needed.

So what am I gonna do? Remus asked quietly as the elevator surged upwards, along with his stomach.

If they ask for your ID numbers, give them mine.

Wont they cross them over?

Nah. Only a visual confirmation, and we look dead-on for twins nearly. Romolus said with a short, encouraging smile. Really, there wont be any problems. This is gonna be a breeze.

I hope you're right... he said, swallowing his pride as the doors slowly opened, admitting him to the Hogwarts division of the Ministry.



Sir, you'll have to wait outside. the desk clerk told Romolus, tapping him on the shoulder. After two hours of filling our grueling paperwork and answering the same questions over and over, Remus had been directed to a small office where he would meet at long last with some official who could destroy his life. And now, God decided Remus' only ounce of support needed to wait outside.

Romolus tried to smile again as his little brother walked through the door, an intimidating panel with Smith' printed across the glass, though he found it hard. Up until then, he had been doing all the talking, making all the plays.


It isn't going to last forever...

What isn't?

I can't keep running away. I've killed Rom, twice. Eventually I'm gonna get caught... Aren't I?

With a serious frown, his brother set down the can of beans he was attempting to open without the proper tool.

You're too clever to get caught by a bunch of hypocritical dolts.

Sometime they're gonna catch up with me, I mean... How am I gonna get by being unregistered, in both ways?

It'll work out in the end.

What if it doesn't, and... I don't wanna loose you Rom. the small boy said in a half whisper.

I wont let that happen.



Just forget about that, I'll never let them take you away from me. They'd have to kill me first.


Here goes nothing.' Remus thought to himself, not trusting his voice. He stepped inside apprehensively, taking a seat on a stiff chair in front of a large oak desk. The executive chair was turned to face the window, appropriately in the fashion of a suspense film wherein the hero would find his nemesis waiting once the chair turned.

All too soon, Remus' mouth uttered a brief hello.

the voice returned softly. Eyebrow half raised, Remus realised it was a woman. Dumbledore had said he would be meeting with a man...

You would be Remus Lupin then?

he choked out, voice catching in his throat.

The idiot who decided it would be amusing to pull a potentially life-threatening' prank on one of Britain's wealthiest and influential families?

Well, my friend-

Oh, I'm just sure my father would take that crap. the woman snapped, teetering the chair back and forth. Sunlight slipped in every time she swayed, irritating what conscious nerves Remus had left.

You're lucky he's out today. With your rather illustrious school record I'm sure we could land some hefty fines on you, none less issue a suspension of some sort.

Just what I need. he accidentally mumbled aloud.

Oh, and you think I need this headache? Hell, we're in mayhem over the werewolf crisis. the intern snapped, finally turning the chair to face him. Angry, bitter and somewhat tired black eyes pierced into his own, framed by a face barely older than a Hogwarts graduate's.

Werewolf crisis? he asked, swallowing to keep his tone from cracking nervously.'

A bunch of rubbish, but our department is getting landed with all of it. she mumbled, tapping her hand on a folder on the desk. Doesn't concern you. You're here on charges of reckless endangerment.

Doesn't concern me my ass.' he chuckled to himself, and unfortunately, he laughed at a very bad time.

Think it's funny, do you? I don't care what happened, Snape and that bloody father of his can say you tried to stab him for all I care, and we'd have to believe it. Lately, they've been our sole source of major income, besides a few other donators.

With a short nod, Remus put his brains to proper use. He wasn't a top O.W.L. student for nothing.

Can I see his complaint, possibly? he inquired, donning a smug sort of voice.

he hummed thoughtfully, tapping the fancy paper with Snape's intricate writing inscribed upon it. He sent a grateful mutter to his Lord, for the second page seemed to be missing, and it would most clearly have mentioned his lunar illness.

Funny, he didn't mention James.

With a grin to himself, he thanked God, and Prongs, for the letter tucked into his back pocket.

So the slimy rich brat forgot a name, it wont matter. We have to go by his word or we'll be landed with more trouble than we can handle right now. she exclaimed.

Well, if you're going to suspend me and whatnot, go and take my friend James as well, he was as guilty as I was.

Yeah? Well, I'll write his name down, maybe I can look into it later. she lied, though taking out a piece of paper for the proper effect.

Gotcha.'

James Potter, you might know him. Remus said, trying very hard to conceal his smile. The lady, Mr. Smith's daughter, dropped her quill.

James... Potter, you say? she stammered, face white. Noting Remus' confirming nod, she tried to collect herself, with little success.

Well, I had no idea then, uh, I'm sure we can work something out, a little fine or... No, how about you just leave. I have work to do on this werewolf problem, so... Here, no, let me get this form filled out, dismiss this whole thing. False claim, I'm sure... she mumbled incoherently. With her back turned as she filled in a record, Remus grinned ear to ear.

Definitely wasn't a mistake making friends with them.' he thought to himself, hands folded contentedly in his lap.



A/n- That was a fun chapter to write. I honestly felt Remus needed to do something decisively clever and otherwise ingenious. Alright, so he was just being resourceful. Screw. :P

Anyway, thanks for reading this far. I must compliment ALL of you on you're persistence, endurance And well, dedication. I still drop dead every time I see that 400+ reviews number... ::Gives a box of cookies (the expensive ones!) to each reader:: Hope that's a little compensation for the time you've all spent, it's bound to have been a while... Well, expect not TOO many more to come. But then again, I am planning a sequel... XP

Enjoi and review,

Iggie

Fic of the Day- HP and the Flesh of the Jade Guardian by Agent 99: That's a mouthful, aye? Basically involves a lot of mystery revolving about the Potter's deaths, as told in the time of Harry. Also has bouts of Ministry scandals and other such lovely twists.

Title Meaning- Roughly, I think it's silent protest. I lost my dictionary...